Benin Monarch Resolves 10 Years Village Leadership Tussle

 

Abavo Kingsley

The Benin Monarch, HRM Oba Ewuare II has put to rest 10 years of fierce tussle over who occupies the stool of ‘Odionwere’ [native Head] of Ogheghe – Numagbai village, Uhunmwode Local Government Area, Edo State between Ehizomwangie Iziegbe Amayo and Otabor Omorodion.

On Tuesday, 15 August, 2017, at his weekly mediation session, the Monarch in consultation with his Chiefs after careful consideration of the issues at stake, resolved in favour of Ehizomwangie Iziegbe Amayo as the true substantive Odionwere of the village.

Pa Amayo narrates that during the period of the tussle, Ogheghe – Numagbai suffered a lot of set back as it witnessed consistent unrest which scared away investors, even government presence.
Also, he suffered bodily injuries, huge financial and property loss while they often dragged themselves from one police station to the other, even as far to Abuja.

But as last resort, they brought the issues at stake before the Monarch for his intervention, and resolution.

When the Monarch was to apply the traditional procedure in resolving the issues such as theirs, his opponents failed to make themselves available and thereby surrendered.

In reaction, Sunday Edomwonyi, a native of the village who was at the Palace said the Monarch resolution of the lingering tussle in favour of Amayo marks the end of unnecessary and heartless unrest in Ogheghe – Numagbai.

He pleaded that everyone should at this point join hands with the reaffirmed Odionwere to ensure peace reigns and for the reconstruction of the village to attract the much desired positive development and progress.

Chief Ehis Ero also reacting said the Monarch resolution has laid bare the truth that Amayo is the certified Odionwere with his opponents; Otabor failure to present himself when required, as evidence.

Consequently on Wednesday, 23 August, 2017, Amayo once again performed the traditional rites at the Oguedion; [Ancestors Sanctuary] of the village under the watchful eyes of elders and natives.
He prayed on the occasion for the well-being of the Monarch, Benin Kingdom and in particular peace and progress of Ogheghe – Numagbai.

But Pa. Amayo in a brief speech said in line with the declaration of the Monarch, and the Edo State law banning CDA and its activities his administration would not hesitate to hand over deviants to the Police.

The event climaxed with jubilation among the people as they expressed gratitude to the Monarch for what they termed his forthrightness in resolution of the tussle which had lingered.

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